Digital Intermediates and VFX for Modern Independent Film Production
A Production Handbook by Tashi Trieu
Studio-level production and post-production practices for independent features and short-form work, from acquisition through dailies, editorial, VFX, finishing, and distribution.
Why this matters, even on a small production
Small productions now use cleanup, set extensions, screen replacements, beauty work, compositing, and CG without studio infrastructure. The expensive failures usually begin before the first plate pull: an undefined color pipeline, inconsistent naming, the wrong format, or an incomplete handoff. Make those decisions early.
Use the Handbook
- Where to Start: role-based reading paths and first decisions
- Production Workflow at a Glance: the complete image path
- Production Checklists: compact gates for each production stage
- Technical Specifications: fill-in pipeline and delivery requirements
- Reusable Production Templates: vendor onboarding, review, delivery, and handoff forms
- Glossary: terminology and aliases
Offline Editions
The offline editions follow the same order and are rebuilt whenever the wiki changes.
Editions
The wiki updates the original PDF as cameras, codecs, standards, and delivery requirements change.
The original typeset editions remain available for download:
- English (PDF, 21 MB): v1.0.1, Fall 2017
- Simplified Chinese 简体中文 (PDF, 24 MB): translation by Xiyu Fan
See the Change List for the 2.0 additions and revisions.
Contact
Questions, comments, and errata are welcome: send a note below.